Buffalo Names C.J. Spiller Starting Running Back

Added on Sep 08, 2010 by Jason Kearney in

NFL

If you watched C.J. Spiller play at Clemson, you figured out quickly that he was destined to play on Sundays and had a good shot at becoming a star in the NFL. What wasn’t counted on is just how quickly he’d adapt to the pro game. He made a statement quickly in the preseason, and scored three touchdowns in three games against opponent’s first team defenses. All told, he had 26 carries for 122 yards and was a big play threat in Buffalo’s long stagnant offense. Most importantly, perhaps, he created some actual excitement among the Bills’ long suffering fans. Based on this rapid success, it was obvious that Spiller would become the featured back in Buffalo sooner or later.

Make that ‘sooner’. On Wednesday, Bills’ coach Chan Gailey named Spiller the starting running back for Sunday’s NFL regular season opener at home against AFC East foe Miami. Spiller may have had more of an opportunity to showcase his skills in preseason due to injuries to veterans Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, but in announcing his decision Gailey made it perfectly clear that the rookie had earned the job:

“I think he showed in college that he was a dynamic player. And I think that he’s shown in his few reps here that he is a very good player. He’s done a good job and he’s earned the spot.”

Spiller downplayed his impact on the team, insisting that it’ll take a team effort for the Bills to succeed:

“It’s going to take a team effort to get to where we want to go, and I’m just glad to be a part of that. I mean, it’s not going to be a one-man show.”

He’s also aware that he’s quickly become a target for opposing defenses, but hopes that’ll provide opportunities for teammates to succeed:

“Now everybody kind of knows what I’m capable of doing, so of course, the bull’s-eye’s probably going to get bigger, and I’ve got to be prepared.”

“That’s a good thing to have because I can open doors for everybody else. If a team’s just going to focus on one guy, I wish them well.”

Starting quarterback Trent Edwards suggests that Spiller’s presence will help the passing game:

“He takes a lot of pressure off our passing game. I think if you have that run threat, you’re going to keep defenses off balance. You’re not going to be so predictable, the pass-rush isn’t going to come as hard. And that just helps having that element in your offense.”

Lynch and Jackson are back with the team, though still not 100% as they recover from injuries. For the time being, at least, Spiller will have ample opportunity to prove that Gailey made the right decision in inserting him into the starting lineup so early in his NFL career.